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Apple Watch Series 3: Skepticism Surrounds Usefulness of LTE, but Performance Improvements Welcome

Tuesday September 12, 2017 3:35 pm PDT by Mitchel Broussard
While the focus and discussion following today's Apple event remains largely on the iPhone X, the company also announced the Apple Watch Series 3, which packs cellular connectivity into the same form factor of Apple's wearable device that we've seen since the first generation.

First impressions for the device have now been released, and The Verge pointed out that the Apple Watch Series 3 will be very familiar to any previous Apple Watch wearers, explaining that you can only really notice its slightly thicker case when comparing the Series 3 to the Series 2 from each side. The only other differentiating factor is the red dot on the Digital Crown of the LTE models.

Image via The Verge

Apple claimed that the LTE Apple Watch Series 3 will last as long as previous versions of the smartwatch (about 18 hours, though most users get more out of it), but The Verge remained skeptical about that statistic ahead of an official test and review. For now, the site said the updated Apple Watch still doesn't feel like a game-changer, but those on older generations will likely find a lot of reasons to upgrade.
And the even bigger question: will having a smartwatch with LTE really change things? Apple is not the first to make an LTE-equipped smartwatch; Samsung and LG have done it before. It will certainly be useful for very specific things — not having to carry a phone on a long hike and still having LTE for emergency situations, or streaming new music from the watch when you’re out and about and are tired of your locally stored stuff. And hey: Apple even showed a woman surfing while wearing a cellular-equipped Apple Watch.

But I’m also not convinced yet that this is a total game-changer — not yet. It’s still in a relationship with iPhone. It just happens to be a more powerful, capable, more independent gadget when iPhone is not around.
Engadget noted that while the design of the Apple Watch Series 3 isn't "much to write home about" when looking for differences between it and earlier models, Apple's decision to retain support for older bands is still a welcome move. After trying it on, Engadget said the Series 3 version felt essentially the same to the Apple Watch Series 2, but the site explained that this is "a huge testament to [Apple] Watch's design team.

Image via Engadget
That the Apple Watch Series 3 doesn't feel different from the Series 2 I wear almost everyday is a huge testament to Watch's design team. Apple says the actually difference in depth amounts to two sheets of paper, and, while I didn't have any spare sheets to test against, most people will never notice the difference. That's saying something considering just what's inside: there's an LTE radio and an embedded SIM, and the screen itself acts as an antenna. Unfortunately, none of the Apple Watches I tested were actually provisioned on a cellular network, so no test calls went through.
Engadget also pointed out a "pretty noticeable" increase in performance compared to Series 2, although it isn't as "pronounced" as the jump from the first generation to Series 2. Of course, some of the more notable changes to Series 3 -- like hearing Siri speak or streaming Apple Music -- will have to wait for official reviews once the device launches on September 22.

There's a pretty noticeable step up in performance too, thanks to the S3 chipset ticking away inside. The change doesn't seem quite as pronounced as the leap from the Series 1 to the Series 2, but I didn't notice any lag or stuttering on Apple's pre-release units.

All told, the Series 3 packs some handy upgrades and should serve as the starting point for people new to the Apple Watch. I'm curious to see how many people will actually embrace the wireless version, which costs $70 extra than the non-LTE model. Apple's vision of wearables is one where people don't have to worry about carrying their phones with them 24/7, but honestly, I think a lot of people like things the way they are.
The Apple Watch Series 3 is available in a Wi-Fi only model starting at $329, and a Wi-Fi + Cellular model starting at $399. Apple today also unveiled new bands and cases for the device, including a new Sport Loop and new Gray Ceramic case.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 5, watchOS 6
Tag: September 2017 event
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Caution)
[ 154 comments ]


Top Rated Comments

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budselectjr
24 months ago
“The watch is useless without its own data connection”

*Apple watch gets LTE*

“Why does the watch need LTE?”
Rating: 44 Votes
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jmh600cbr
24 months ago
I disagree. This was the sleeper today. Music with my AirPods and no phone. Epic
Rating: 34 Votes
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julesme
24 months ago
Thank goodness there is a GIANT BRIGHT RED CIRCLE on the new Watch so I NEVER FORGET I HAVE THE LTE VERSION. /s
Rating: 23 Votes
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TallGuyGT
24 months ago
This might be picky, but I really do not like the red dot on the Digital Crown. Looks cheap and distracting in pictures (as in it draws my eye to the red dot and not the overall watch). I wish they had not done that.
Rating: 21 Votes
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macTW
24 months ago
I don't know who these reviewers speak to, because almost everybody at my company and that I know wishes they can sometimes forget their phone and use their watch instead.
Rating: 16 Votes
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farewelwilliams
24 months ago
$10/month? no thanks.
Rating: 13 Votes
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justiny
24 months ago
An LTE WATCH is about the same as an LTE iPad. I can just use my iPhone and not have to spend an extra $120/yr.

And seriously, what the hell is with the red dot on the crown?
Rating: 12 Votes
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GaryLasereyes
24 months ago
Who do you have to kill to get podcast support on this thing? It's a small travesty that they're completely ignored this one tiny feature.
Rating: 12 Votes
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artfossil
24 months ago

There are a lot of folks living in their own little bubble. This is THE most important product released today. It will quickly become the default phone for a LOT of people, especially the younger ones. Old farts not so much.
I'm pre-ordering it on day one to make sure I get one.

For me--age 70--the ability to insure I can make an emergency call is worth $120 a year.

(My Apple Watch series 1 is my favorite device in 33 years of Apple products.)
Rating: 11 Votes
Avatar
mabhatter
24 months ago
Almost there! So close. Just holding out for the model with a camera so I can make wrist watch video calls! My inner secret agent is waiting.
Rating: 10 Votes

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